Get ready to impress your family and friends this Thanksgiving with a mouthwatering classic: Turkey Breast with Cranberry Sauce. This recipe combines juicy, tender turkey breast with the perfect balance of sweet and tangy cranberry sauce. Follow the step-by-step instructions, complete with precise measurements and ingredients, to create a truly unforgettable holiday feast. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a novice in the kitchen, this Thanksgiving classic is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. So grab your apron and get ready to create a masterpiece that will leave everyone begging for seconds.
Ingredients
For the turkey breast:
- 1 bone-in turkey breast (about 4-6 pounds)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon dried rosemary
- 1 tablespoon dried sage
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
For the cranberry sauce:
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
Preparing the Turkey Breast
Preparing a delicious turkey breast starts with the proper preparation. Follow these steps to ensure a moist and flavorful main dish for your Thanksgiving feast.
Thawing the turkey breast
Before you can begin preparing the turkey breast, it’s important to thaw it properly. Place the frozen turkey breast in the refrigerator and allow it to thaw for 24 hours for every 4-5 pounds of meat. Make sure to place the turkey breast in a leak-proof bag or on a tray to catch any drippings. Thawing the turkey breast in the refrigerator ensures a safe and even thawing process.
Preheating the oven
Preheating your oven is an essential step in roasting the turkey breast to perfection. Set your oven to 325°F (163°C) and allow it to preheat for at least 15-20 minutes. This will ensure that your turkey breast cooks evenly and reaches the desired internal temperature.
Seasoning the turkey breast
Before roasting, it’s important to season your turkey breast to enhance its flavor. In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, dried thyme, dried rosemary, dried sage, salt, and black pepper. Rub the seasoning mixture all over the turkey breast, making sure to coat it evenly. This will add a delicious herb-infused flavor to the meat as it roasts.
Roasting the Turkey Breast
Now that the turkey breast is thawed and seasoned, it’s time to start roasting it to perfection. Follow these steps for a juicy and tender turkey breast.
Placing the turkey breast in a roasting pan
Place the seasoned turkey breast in a roasting pan, preferably with a rack to elevate the meat off the bottom of the pan. This allows for more even cooking and help prevents the turkey breast from becoming too soggy. Make sure the skin side is facing up.
Inserting a meat thermometer
To ensure that your turkey breast is cooked to the perfect temperature, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the breast without touching the bone. The thermometer should read 165°F (74°C) when the turkey breast is fully cooked. This will guarantee that the meat is safe to eat and retains its juiciness.
Roasting the turkey breast
Place the roasting pan with the turkey breast into the preheated oven. Roast the turkey breast for about 15 minutes per pound or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Baste the turkey breast with the pan juices every 30 minutes to keep it moist and flavorful. Remove the turkey breast from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
Making the Cranberry Sauce
No Thanksgiving meal is complete without a tangy and sweet cranberry sauce. Follow these steps to create a homemade cranberry sauce that perfectly complements your turkey breast.
Preparing the cranberries
Start by rinsing the fresh cranberries under cold water and removing any stems or leaves. This ensures that your cranberry sauce has a clean and smooth texture.
Cooking the cranberries
In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, water, and cinnamon stick. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 10-15 minutes. The cranberries should burst and become tender, creating a thick sauce.
Adding sweetener and spices
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the orange zest. Taste the cranberry sauce and adjust the sweetness to your liking by adding more sugar if desired. You can also add a pinch of salt or additional spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to enhance the flavor. Let the cranberry sauce cool before serving.
Serving the Turkey Breast with Cranberry Sauce
Now that both the turkey breast and cranberry sauce are ready, it’s time to serve them together for a delicious and festive Thanksgiving meal.
Slicing the turkey breast
Using a sharp carving knife, carefully slice the roasted turkey breast into thin, even slices. Aim for slices that are about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Transfer the slices to a serving platter, keeping them as intact as possible.
Serving with cranberry sauce
Place a generous spoonful of cranberry sauce alongside the sliced turkey breast on the serving platter. The tangy sweetness of the cranberry sauce pairs perfectly with the savory turkey flavor, adding a burst of flavor to every bite.
Garnishing and plating
For an extra touch of elegance, garnish the platter with fresh sprigs of rosemary or thyme. This adds a pop of color and fragrance to the presentation. Serve your turkey breast and cranberry sauce alongside other Thanksgiving classics like mashed potatoes, stuffing, and green beans for a complete and satisfying meal.
Tips for a Perfect Turkey Breast with Cranberry Sauce
To ensure that your Thanksgiving centerpiece turns out perfectly, consider these helpful tips:
Thawing the turkey breast properly
Thawing the turkey breast in the refrigerator is the safest and most recommended method. Plan ahead and allow ample time for the turkey breast to thaw completely before cooking.
Using a meat thermometer
Investing in a good quality meat thermometer is crucial to avoid undercooked or overcooked turkey breast. This ensures that your turkey breast reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), while retaining its juiciness.
Testing for doneness
If you don’t have a meat thermometer, you can test for doneness by piercing the turkey breast with a fork or skewer. If the juices that run out are clear, not pink, and the meat is opaque and no longer pink, it is likely done. However, using a meat thermometer is the most accurate way to determine if your turkey breast is fully cooked.
Variations and Additions
While the classic turkey breast with cranberry sauce is a crowd-pleaser, here are a few variations and additions to consider for a unique twist on this Thanksgiving favorite:
Stuffed turkey breast
For a more indulgent option, try stuffing the turkey breast with your favorite stuffing mix before roasting. The flavors of the stuffing meld with the tender turkey breast, creating a truly comforting and delicious dish.
Glazed turkey breast
Add a touch of sweetness to your turkey breast by brushing it with a glaze of maple syrup, honey, or fruit preserves before roasting. This adds a caramelized and slightly sticky coating that pairs beautifully with the tartness of the cranberry sauce.
Herb-roasted turkey breast
Enhance the herbaceous flavors of your turkey breast by adding fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, and sage to the seasoning mixture. The aroma and taste of these herbs infuse into the meat as it roasts, creating a fragrant and flavorful turkey.
Storage and Leftovers
After a satisfying Thanksgiving meal, it’s important to store any leftovers properly to prevent spoilage and maintain their quality.
Storing the turkey breast and cranberry sauce
Separate the sliced turkey breast from the cranberry sauce and place them in separate airtight containers. Store the turkey breast in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and the cranberry sauce for up to 1 week.
Reheating leftovers
To reheat the turkey breast, place the slices on a microwave-safe plate and heat in the microwave on medium power for about 1-2 minutes per slice, or until heated through. For the cranberry sauce, simply spoon it into a saucepan and heat over low heat until warmed.
Creative leftover ideas
Leftover turkey breast can be used in a variety of creative and delicious ways. Make turkey sandwiches with cranberry sauce, turkey quesadillas, or add diced turkey to soups or stir-fries for a quick and flavorful meal.
Conclusion
Turkey breast with cranberry sauce is a classic Thanksgiving dish that brings warmth and comfort to every table. With the right preparation and cooking techniques, you can create a tender, flavorful turkey breast that pairs perfectly with tangy cranberry sauce. Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or add your own twist with variations and additions, this Thanksgiving classic is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. So gather your loved ones, enjoy the delicious meal, and give thanks for the abundance on your plate. Happy Thanksgiving!